MarciaKM11

See it if you like overacting and a vapid script

Don't see it if you expect engaging, thoughtful writing

See it if you like some top-notch Sondheim songs, Patti Lupone, an enthusiastic cast, and busy set design

Don't see it if you expect an improvement over previous revivals and jaw-dropping hit numbers

Also I think the lead role of Bobbie was miscast; Katrina Lenk's voice was just not up to the part.... Read more Read less

See it if ...you love mythology, fantastic singing, creative scenic and costume design, and a terrific ensemble

Don't see it if ...you expect a typical Broadway show; if you prefer a straightforward, realistic story

See it if ...you like a capella singing, clever staging, and excellent acting

Don't see it if ...you expect a coherent plot line; if you want to see a blockbuster-style work

Also The feel of the play was confused--sometimes clever, other times banal; sometimes intense, other times annoying. Too bad such talented performers had such uneven material to work with.... Read more Read less

See it if ...you like an ensemble piece based on the actual experiences of a real person. And see it if Jenn Collela is in it!

Don't see it if ...you want to see a fully-staged show; you long for more clever lyrics and less repetitive music

See it if you enjoy one-person shows in an intimate venue, and that include chances for audience participation. Good for an unusual take on Van Gogh.

Don't see it if you expect a biographical, linear story; or if you expect a glitzy production

See it if you like musicals with topical import, great acting, hypnotizing music, and clever, minimalistic staging.

Don't see it if you expect blockbuster pyrotechnics, big-name performers, or do not like performances without intermissions.

See it if ...you love a classic Broadway score, terrific acting, inventive staging, glorious costumes, and a stellar (if imperfect) cast

Don't see it if ...you expect contemporary setting; you can't imagine MFL without Julie Andrews and/or Rex Harrison; you want to be out in 2 hours.

Also Lauren Ambrose is an excellent actor, but her singing voice isn't quite good enough. Still, her portrayal of Eliza is fresh, emotional, funny, and deeply moving. Norbert Leo Butz steals the show in every scene he's in. Diana Rigg's part is small but significant, and it's a thrill to see her. Harry Hadden-Paton makes a fine Henry Higgins, and pleasantly adds a touch of melody to lyrics I'm accustomed to hearing mainly spoken. The ensemble offers excellent support in every way.... Read more Read less

See it if ...you enjoy a star-studded and powerful cast, minimalistic staging, and a different take on Joan of Arc.

Don't see it if ...you seek spectacle, tire of legal arguments, or can't focus on a wordy play.

See it if ...you love classic American musicals with full orchestra, gorgeous songs, inventive staging, and some stellar performances

Don't see it if ...you expect a modern story

Also Joshua Henry's rendition of the famous "Soliloquy" that ends Act I was as good as any live performance that I've ever seen. Renee Fleming was breathtaking in her performance of "You'll Never Walk Alone"--can't imagine that there was a dry eye in the house! Alas, I thought that Jessie Mueller was underwhelming...the inventive choreography elevated the performance to another level.... Read more Read less

See it if for Mark Rylance (AMAZING!) and if you enjoy musings on madness, duty, love, music, and period pieces with modern overtones.

Don't see it if you expect bright lights (lit mostly by candles), loudness (period instruments), or if you avoid issues of mental illness.

Also This is a talky play that requires focus, attention, and empathy for its few central characters. Best to sit as close as possible.... Read more Read less

See it if ...you appreciate historical places and the connections between performers and their faiths

Don't see it if ...expect a show. This is a tour of a small historic space, especially poignant to Jews.

See it if ...you love an immersive experience, are a Sondheim fan, enjoy unusual staging

Don't see it if ...you expect a traditional performance, a full orchestra, a passive experience

See it if ...you love great musicals and would enjoy a "tasting menu" of hits. The diverse, talented cast delivers, esp. Tony Yazbeck & Karen Ziemba.

Don't see it if ...you expect a cohesive narrative or want more than assorted "greatest hits"

See it if you enjoy solo performances, strong singing, and a mix of songs (only some of which are linked to Ella Fitzgerald

Don't see it if you expect a straight-ahead biography; if you prefer shows with multiple performers

Also Andrea Frierson is a strong and talented singer, but not so strong a playwright. I think the book needs reworking.... Read more Read less

See it if ...you like inventive staging, immersive theatre (some seats in the action), multi-talented performers who sing, dance, and play instruments

Don't see it if ...expect a traditional musical or historical accuracy; WARNING: Production uses strobe lights and very loud sound effects

See it if ...you appreciate an original musical based on actual events and people; ...you feel able to revisit the roiling emotions of 9/11;

Don't see it if ...you expect razzle-dazzle; ...you prefer escapist fluff; ...you don't like minimal staging

See it if ...you appreciate a playwright's activist take on a little-known moment from theatre (and social) history

Don't see it if ...you expect fluff or porn

See it if you want to watch dysfunctional and largely unaffecting characters trying to deal with the impending death of a young woman

Don't see it if you expect a linear story line, coherent characters, people to care about

See it if you love Kevin Kline, farce, witty repartee, yummy costumes, Cole Porter, period pieces, old-fashioned but clever sets

Don't see it if you expect music or prefer modern, up-to-date settings, or plays that present a deep message

See it if you like GREAT ensemble acting, intense political drama, topical themes, and an absorbing theatrical experience in an intimate setting.

Don't see it if you prefer musicals or lighter fare, you object to foul language, or dislike the intrigue of tense political negotiations.

See it if you like great costumes and two iconic lead females

Don't see it if you expect interesting music and fresh lyrics or a coherent examination of character

Also Christine Ebersole OWNS this show by her crisp singing and excellent acting. Patti Lupone camps her way through her role as almost a caricature of herself. Songs repetitive, predictable. A piece of dated fluff--who wants to see a whole show about an epic cat fight in which the main characters never meet face to face until the last scene?... Read more Read less

See it if you like the work of Wallace Shawn, dystopian political parables, or want to see good actors in a small theatre set like a living room

Don't see it if you expect action, closure, or a straightforward plot

See it if ...you like world music, appreciate timeless folksongs, enjoy audience participation, like your heart warmed by universal human experiences.

Don't see it if ...you expect dialog, fancy costumes, staging or musical arrangements, name stars.

See it if -you like a provocative play with a small excellent cast. -you appreciate explorations of history, faith, racism, death, character, choice

Don't see it if you expect lots of action you seek comedy or elaborate staging

Also The bleacher seats were terribly uncomfortable (probably an attempt at immersing the audience in Nat Turner's pain). The music chosen to play between scenes was largely WAY too loud and, in my view, poorly chosen. I'd have gone with spirituals or 19th c. music.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a young and energetic group of actor/singer/dancers giving life to an old classic in a streamlined version

Don't see it if you expect perfection, major production values, etc. and edgy music

See it if ...you are a fan of Lin Manuel Miranda, Hamilton, or both. It's great for theatre-savvy audience members.

Don't see it if ...you are unfamiliar with Hamilton

See it if you want to see another revival of a class show with a few new twists

Don't see it if you are tired of it

See it if you love Audra McDonald, Billy Porter, and other brilliant and talented singer-dancers. Good costumes and decent dance numbers

Don't see it if you expect a cohesive book

See it if you support LGBTQ issues & want to see a brilliant, intimate, and emotional coming-of-age story about recognizing one's identity.

Don't see it if you expect something ordinary and linear

See it if you want to see a terrific ensemble in a contemporary tale of love, truth, justice, honor, and the difficult choices people make.

Don't see it if you're expecting a musical or a comedy (though this play has some funny moments)

See it if you like a great ensemble presenting a powerful story of one woman's rise to recognize her power and beauty. Terrific singing

Don't see it if you don't like ensemble work